Sonos Alternatives: The best wireless speakers and multiple rooms systems

It is difficult to believe now, but there was a time when his only realistic choice was Sonos if he wanted a upper wireless multiple audio system.

However, these days, almost any wireless speaker with Wi-Fi can be part of a several room audio system … and with the recent sound problems, he would be forgiven by looking for alternatives.

Unless it is particularly greater, its wireless speaker is almost certain that it will have compatibility with Spotify Connect, Amazon Alexa, Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, DTS Play-FI or one of the other control systems based on the application, or voice.

Once I have more than one, then, it is quite simple to configure a sound system of several rooms.

However, this ‘mixture and combination’ does not always work; Even a platform well known as Alexa fights with genuine, perfect and several rooms.

The desire to have a common aesthetic throughout your home, at least in regards to its several room speakers, is obvious. And if you want the appearance unit, why would you not want to unity of sound, with absolutely zero delay or synchronization problems?

Therefore, it is better to choose a brand and continue with its own speakers, hence the reason why Sonos has dominated for so long.

But your choice of wireless audio and/or smart speakers is now so wide that it can be difficult to solve exactly which ones are the best for you.

However, it is simple enough to reduce your options: consider whether the speaker admits your favorite transmission service, for example, and think about things like the additional physical connectivity you might need, or if the Bluetooth speakers could be an option.

If you are paying for a higher level transmission service with high -resolution audio content, you will want to make sure your systems also support those complete fat files.

And while doing so, make sure that your favorite voice assistant is compatible (if you want to control your system using your voice, of course).

And, most importantly, read this guide of multiple speakers systems for better their sound and better value, before making great decisions.

Sonos

Okay, this guide is a look at the best Sonos alternatives, but we must really consider why Santa Barbara is still the leader in space, despite her recent struggles.

There is ubiquity, and then they are sonos. The company entered the ground floor of the multiple audio and has expanded its range over time to ensure that there is a sound speaker for each eventuality, and that also includes the sound of cinema at home.

A cunning collaboration with Ikea a few years ago even took the property of Sonos at an even more competitive price, and its general product range has something for everyone.

From the ALEXA-O-GOOGLE-ASSISTANT OF SONOS AND THE SONOS PORTABLE ROAM 2, with battery, through the five without microphone, to the rays, rays or central arches of TV-And-Cinema, each requirement, each requirement, each requirement Reasonable, each reasonable requirement is attended. There is even the Sonos amplifier and the port of Sonos for integration into more traditional and serious high loyalty systems.

The configuration is really easy, even if the application has taken some steps back lately, which is another reason why Sonos is so popular. The updated S2 S2 application, which is now much more stable and logical, helps over in as many rooms as you have sonos speakers). You can even configure a couple of sound speakers like a true stereo pair.

Some of the oldest sound speakers lack the ease of handling audio files above the CD 16bit/44.1khz standard, but the newest launches, such as Era 300, can handle Ultra HD to 24 bits, up to 192 kHz .

The Sonos system is not as cozy of third -party speakers as others, although the addition of Apple Airplay 2 makes Sonos a little more agnostic than before.

Recent Sonos launches, such as The Move, Move 2 and Arc Ultra, have Bluetooth, but will not find a USB-in plug anywhere in the range. However, what you will find is a murderous combination of ease of use, multiple solid rock functionality and a very decent sound.

Sonos uses a mesh network in which all speakers are communicated in their home: there will be, in effect, a master speaker closest to its router, which speaks with the nearest speaker, which in turn speaks with its nearest speaker … and so on.

Then, while its Sonos speaker is available to another Sonos speaker, or a node in its Wi-Fi mesh system, obtaining (and staying) online is simple, and does not require that all speakers are close to their router.

The support for all high profile transmission services is in place, and the Sonos application can also incorporate online radio, podcast suppliers, audiobooks, whatever.

There is no rival system with a more complete selection of content suppliers. You can even access any audio stored in your domestic network as well. And Sonos has done everything possible to deliver its TruePlay function.

This basically measures the position of your speaker in your environment and modifies the audio output accordingly.

In terms of audio quality, the Sonos range has been reinforced and improved over time, and each new speaker tends to sound a bit more complete and more complete than the previous model. Certainly it is not the last word in sonic quality, but nevertheless it has much to recommend it: all the less expensive sound speakers have a decent weight, an impressive clarity and a recovery of details more than enough to make your music sound animated and entertaining .

Of which, after all, it is really what it is about.

Wiim

Wiim is making a name quickly as an affordable and simple way to update its speakers with multiple room transmission capabilities.

Wiim has been described as an affordable option “at a time when rivals of several rooms have lost their intelligence of transmission”, which is obviously an excavation in the multi -room champion once indisputable Sonos.

It is a brand born of Linkplay Technology, which was founded in 2014 “by a central team of high -caliber technology entrepreneurs” with ex Google, Broadcom and Harman all involved people.

Unlike Sonos, Wiim does not have its own synchronization technology of multiple patented rooms. On the other hand, it is based on standard industry protocols such as AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal and Chromecast to achieve multiple room functionality.

However, Wiim’s reproduction of Wiim still admits audio quality up to 24 bits/192 kHz, and can create Wiim device groups and reproduce the same different music or music in different rooms, so it behaves like a system Sonos.

There are currently a series of Wiim devices available to buy, ranging from the Wiim Mini at the lower end, a sequence device of echo points designed to connect with an existing system that uses an auxiliary cable, to Ultra and Amp Pro in the part in the part Superior of the tree.

This high-end duo is acquired by the Sonos amplifier with multiple input and output options, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, perfect bits output, up to 192 kHz, 24 bits with optical or digital coaxial output, and a multitude of options of transmission.

But they are not only devices with the Wiim brand, the company is committed to developing audio transmission software and hardware for the partners as well.

Partners like Audio Pro who, in October 2024, launched two new speakers enabled for Wiim; The C5 MK II Wiim edition and the Wiim A10 MK II (below) edition.

Read our full Wiim guide to learn more.

Denon

Denon’s Heos range may not have the same brand recognition as Sonos, but it is a serious contender for those looking for high quality and rich multiple audio.

Unlike Sonos, which operates within its own ecosystem, Heos is integrated into a wide range of receptors, amplifiers and sound bars of Denon and Marantz AV, which makes it an excellent option for home cinema enthusiasts who They want to expand their audio configuration without problems.

In essence, Heos is a multi-based Wi-Fi-based system that admits important transmission services such as Spotify, Tidal and Amazon Music, together with high-resolution audio reproduction of up to 24 bits/192 KHz.

It also reproduces well with Apple Airplay 2, Bluetooth and voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant, which gives you a lot of flexibility in how your system controls.

Unlike some rivals, HEOS devices have wide physical connectivity options, including USB ports, auxiliary entries and even optical connections, which causes Denon connected speakers to be ideal for those who still want to connect traditional audio sources such as Touches or CD players, without much discomfort. .

The Denon Home speakers range, including the Denon Home 150, 250 and 350 Fi.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for a sound bar with skills of several suitable rooms, the Denon Home Sound Bar 550 integrates with Heos and even supports Dolby Atmos for an immersive home film experience.

For those who already have high -end speakers and want to make them capable of multiple rooms, Denon’s amplifier act as transmission centers, as well as the amplifier Sonos or Wiim AMP Pro, which allows it to incorporate traditional speakers into a Modern Wireless wireless configuration.

If you are looking for a high performance and friendly alternative for Audiophiles to Sonos, Heos is one of the most powerful and flexible multiple room systems available today.

Apple

Are you already a great apple fan? Totally iOS-Ed? If so, you can enter one of the easiest to use systems and several rooms without spending without spending a fortune, especially since the HomePod Mini of less than £ 100 was returned to live a few years ago. But if you don’t have at least one foot in Apple’s ecosystem, these are not the speakers for you.

Setting two as a stereo pair (for adequate and authentic stereo of the left and right) is simple, but configuring a multiple room system is even easier. Your MAC or iOS device will show each and every one of its homeless in its ‘AirPlay speaker’ list, and can name them from there.

While keeping your reasonably simple instructions, Siri will happily respond to calls from “Hi Siri – Miles Davis plays in the living room” either “Hi Siri: Play about four tet in the kitchen and office”. Different music, at different volumes, in different rooms, at the same time, it is also available: “Hi Siri: Play Brian Eno in the bedroom with 40% and Kanye West in the kitchen at 60%” It shouldn’t be a problem. The most traditional methods to control all aspects of reproduction are also found in the Apple Music application.

But as we say, you must be with Apple. The company is not beyond behaving like other electronic brands do not exist, and it would certainly like to forget any transmission service, but Apple Music, although the Homepod Mini and Homepod (both generations) can do everything that any other speaker Airplay can do it, if your favorite transmission application is in iOS and you have an AirPlay option, then you can transmit your songs through your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

However, there are only a couple of services that have native support in Homepod without Airplay, and Spotify is not yet one of those, which means that it cannot configure it as its predetermined service. However, that does not really matter, since after the arrival of iOS 17.4 in March 2024, it is also not possible to establish any compatible service as a default service in the same way.

Instead, experience is really better. Certainly in the case of Spotify anyway.

We have a separate feature on how to add a predetermined media application to Homepod, whether Deezer, YouTube Music or Spotify, but here we are focusing specifically on Spotify.

The use of Apple Music gives access to subtleties such as advanced reproduction controls, song information and/or artists, additional listening recommendations, alternative versions and thus, and in real time. Using anything else, you are lucky if you can go further “Hello Siri – the volume goes up.”

At the price, the largest homepod sound is really quite impressive. It is undoubtedly a 360 -degree speaker, capable of distributing music uniformly and uniformly in all directions. Apple pushed the boat with the Homepod specification, with the melody of seven tweeters beam formators in the circular configuration and an average/low 102 mm controller of 102 mm.

And the results are a forceful, controlled, detailed and open medium range end (which makes each vocalist sound the best possible) and a well -judged attack at the top of the frequency range. The few products of Apple’s speakers have been notoriously unpredictable, but Homepod is the best effort of the company at a distance.

The mini definitely also hits over its weight. I did most of my comparison tests against the Sonos and, although it cannot match the era 100 when you exceed 70% volume, it is more than a match at medium levels.

AUDIO PRO

It is true that, in the case of Swedish specialists, Audio Pro, that means a wide range of wireless speakers of several rooms that mostly resemble Koala’s bears, but behind the playful aesthetics, Audio Pro is All business.

In fact, the biggest challenge to configure a multiple audio Pro system could be to choose from constant expansion alignment.

The company has continued to refine its speakers, introducing models such as the A15, which adds resistance to IPX2 water for greater flexibility of placement, the C5A with Alexa and the C10 MKII, which improves in the beloved C10 with AirPlay 2 and Google Cast Support.

Meanwhile, the colossal Drumfire II keeps alive the legacy of “completely crazy”, now with multiple room support that is more softly with the ecosystem.

Once he has decided on the size of his preferred Koala speaker, he has chosen a finish and perhaps overlooked the cylindrical (still strong) in favor of the most powerful P5 P5, the configuration is relatively painless.

The range includes many physical inputs such as RCA stereo and a 3.5 mm connector, along with Ethernet for solid rock networks.

Wirelessly, Audio Pro has completely adopted modern transmission: Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect are on board, which greatly facilitates integration with existing configurations.

The $ 100 link is acquired to the port of Sonos to involve its silly speakers in a Pro Multiroom audio configuration.

The Audio Pro Control application has also improved. While it is still not as slippery as some competitors, it is remarkably more stable than in previous iterations, with less accidents and a greater group of multiple rooms.

But what really matters is the sound, and here, Audio Pro continues to hit over its weight. Even the most affordable models offer a complete, detailed and well -balanced body sound that easily competes with more expensive rivals. The assertiveness and dynamism of the firm remain, ensuring that music feels animated instead of clinic.

Ultimately, the peculiarities of the application are a lower compensation for speakers that offer this level of sound quality at such competitive prices. Audio Pro may not have the brand recognition of Sonos, but for pure audio performance, they are still one of the most convincing alternatives.

Blueson

All have their own particular priorities when choosing the audio equipment at home. Value for money, ease of use, aesthetics; All these matter. But for those who put the quality of the sound above all, Bolosund is still one of the most convincing sound alternatives.

Originally developed by high loyalty unconditionals in NAD, Blobosund has spent the last decade refining its alignment, combining a high -resolution audio performance with a solid multi -room ecosystem. It is one of the few brands that really prioritizes audiophile degree sound without sacrificing wireless convenience.

The range continues to evolve, covering the music of several rooms and home cinema. The pulse alignment now includes the last Pulse M, with an omnidirectional sound scenario for a better audio that fills the room. There is also the Pulse Mini 2i and Pulse 2i for more traditional stereo performance, in addition to the flex 2i press for compact portable use.

The home film options include the Pulse+ sound bar and the Press Sub+, while the node (streamer) and Powernode (transmission amplifier) ​​offer a perfect integration with the existing hi-fi settings. Vault 2I is still a rare solution all in one to store and transmit music without losses.

Blobolund was one of the first systems of several rooms that admits high resolution audio of Tidal Masters with MQA engine, and still leads in a high resolution support. It handles up to 24 bits/192 KHz, admits a wide range of transmission services, including Spotify, Qobuz, Deezer and Amazon Music Ultra HD, and offers APTX HD Bluetooth for high quality wireless audio. Apple AirPlay 2 and Amazon Alexa support are incorporated, and many of the speakers are ready for the time.

Connectivity remains generous, with digital and 3.5 mm, USB optical inputs for local storage and ethernet for cable stability. The configuration process is simple, using a direct Wi-Fi connection for rapid matching through the application. The Bluos Control application has improved over time, becoming more intuitive while offering a deep customization for advanced users.

But the real drawing is still the sound. Blobosound speakers offer expressive and refined performance with an excellent detail recovery and a dynamic blow. Whether he is listening to classic high -resolution recordings or severe electronic tracks, the equilibrium of precision and warmth makes each song feel attractive.

For those who want audio of several rooms without sacrificing sound integrity, Bolosund remains an outstanding option. It is not as conventional as Sonos, but if the high loyalty wireless sound is priority, blouse is difficult to overcome.

Naim

Buy now: Amazon | From £ 749

Naim has only a couple of speakers in its range of multiple rooms and are super expensive. But what its important outlay buy are the products of a high -loyalty company established, even venerable, high -end with a more than enough experience to fly its socks.

If it is an unrestricted performance you want, bite the financial bullet and harvest the sound benefits. The junior partner of the duo is $ 850 / £ 749 Mu-so Qb 2; The president of the Board, the $ 1,450 / £ 1,299 of second generation MU-SO. And both devices look and feel the value of money.

They sit in an enlightened Perspex slab, have luxury grilles (available in a very good taste of finishes) and are crowned with a large, illuminated control wheel, smoothly and wildly tactile displacement.

The QB2 is compact enough to sit on a shelf or a countertop. With almost 63 cm wide, Mu-so needs a more significant surface to stop.

Both products have digital and 3.5 mm optical connections, USB ports to load and play iOS equipment, APTX Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay 2 Connectivity, Google Cast and Spotify Connect, UPNP, Internet Radio … The word ‘flexible’ can be applied safe way here.

Each imaginable digital file format is compatible, and the MU-SO duo is capable of full 24-bit reproduction/192khz. Touring and in operation is easy, especially for Apple users. AirPlay can share your Wi-Fi settings without problems between your phone or tablet and speakers.

And you can do that with each additional speaker that brings to the system, so building a several room configuration does not take time at all. Music can be transmitted directly from the Naim Control application (both for iOS and Android), and there is the ability to integrate some of its favorite transmission services there as well. According to the standards of wireless speakers of several super convenient rooms, even the expensive ones, both NAIM products sound excellent.

Even if you are an alien to the Naim brand, only a quick listening will confirm that you are dealing with a high -loyalty company that knows precisely what you are doing. The performance is fluid and articulated, attractive and entertaining: it is completely convincing, from low and textured notes to bright and bright acute. Light some of your favorite songs in any room, and you will have no doubts about where your money has left.

Alexa and Chromecast options

As mentioned, you can also create a wireless speakers configuration of several rooms using the Amazon Echo Smart Smart Smart Smart Smart Smart Smart Smart Smaker, as well as configuring a multiple room system with Google Home and the assistant.

However, in our experience, they do not always work so well, so for a matter truly without problems, go to the top brands.

Synchronization with Alexa MRM or Chromecast can sometimes be imperfect, with occasional latency or abandonment. The performance can also be affected by the congestion of the Wi-Fi network and if a speaker uses the 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi network.

Not all speakers compatible with Alexa support multiple music and not all Google assistant speakers work with Chromecast. That…. Messy, to save at least; But there is hope that matter can save the day.

What is ready for the Ron?

Roon is a music and reproduction management platform, not a multiple room system, but it is something to consider when buying wireless speakers, since it significantly improves the experience for audiophiles.

Think about it as a sophisticated digital music librarian organizing your library (local archives and transmission services) and provides rich metadata, insicious connections between artists and high quality reproduction. Roon operates with a “nucleus” (a computer, nas or dedicated server) that manages its music and “final points” (speakers or network players) that reproduce it. You control everything through the Ron application.

While Roon does not replace its multiple room system (such as the tastes of Sonos and Blobosund, we speak previously), integrate with it, adding powerful characteristics.

You can group areas for synchronized reproduction, but the areas are defined by your existing system, for example.

Ron’s strengths are found in their rich metadata, the characteristics of music discovery and the ability to administer large libraries. Admits high -resolution audio formats and prioritizes perfect bits reproduction. Many high -end manufacturers make “Roon Ready” devices for perfect integration.

However, Roon is a subscription service, it does not come for free. That is why their target audience is the serious lovers of music and audiphiles that value high quality audio, meticulous organization and a premium user experience.

But if you are passionate about music and want the best possible control over your multiple room configuration, it is worth considering, despite the additional cost.

Frequent questions of multiple music